Home Office

Hate Crime

Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many incidents of hate crime were reported in each region in the last 12 months.

Sarah Newton: The Home Office collects information on the number of hate crimes recorded by the police on an annual basis. The most recently published data are for 2014/15 and are shown in the attached table.Data for 2015/16 are due to be published in October 2016.This Government is committed to tackling hate crime. The UK has one of the strongest legislative frameworks in the world to tackle hate crime. We are working across Government with police, (including National Community Tensions Team), the Crown Prosecution Service and community partners to send out a clear message that hate crime will not be tolerated and we will vigorously pursue and prosecute those who commit these crimes.



Hate crimes recorded
(Excel SpreadSheet, 24 KB)

Department for Education

Foreign Students: European Economic Area

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to safeguard the status of UK nationals studying in other member states of the EEA as a result of the outcome of the referendum on the UK's membership of the EU.

Joseph Johnson: The EU referendum result has no immediate effect on students abroad or those applying for 2016/17. Payments will be made in the usual way. Access after we leave the EU is a matter for the forthcoming negotiations.

Higher Education

Jeff Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to ensure that academics in the UK will be able to continue collaborating with academics in universities in EU member states after the UK leaves the EU.

Joseph Johnson: The EU Erasmus+ programme provides opportunities for schools and colleges to collaborate with their counterparts in Europe, and with universities. Access to the programme after we leave the EU is a matter for the forthcoming exit negotiations.

Foreign Students: EU Countries

Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential effect of the outcome of the EU referendum on the ability of UK students studying language courses to work, study and live in other EU countries.

Joseph Johnson: There are no immediate changes following the EU Referendum, including in the circumstances of British citizens studying, or planning to study, in the EU. Future arrangements for studying abroad will need to be considered as part of wider discussions about the UK’s relationship with the EU. For further information, see the Government Statement at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/statement-on-higher-education-and-research-following-the-eu-referendum

Higher Education

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 13 July 2016 to Question 42021, if she will make it her policy to consult on the detail of the proposed changes to the Degree Awarding Powers before the Higher Education and Research Bill becomes law.

Joseph Johnson: The Higher Education and Research Bill provides for powers to vary or revoke Degree Awarding Powers. We plan to set out the proposed changes to the exact Degree Awarding Powers requirements and processes in new DfE criteria and guidance. The department intends to consult on the detail before publishing this guidance. Subject to the passage of the bill, we intend to consult before summer 2017.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Research: Finance

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will take steps to ensure that UK researchers have the same level of funding as before the EU referendum.

Joseph Johnson: The UK economy is fundamentally strong and our research and innovation are world leading. We have a long established system that supports, and therefore attracts, the brightest minds, at all stages of their careers. We fund excellent science wherever it is found, and ensure there is the freedom to tackle important scientific questions. While the UK remains a member of the EU, current EU arrangements continue unchanged, including those that apply to students, researchers, and businesses. We remain fully open to scientists and researchers from across the EU. We hugely value the contribution of EU and international staff and there are no immediate changes to their rights to live and work in the UK. The Government intends to maintain and enhance the strength of our research base, which is why we have protected the science resource budget in real terms from its 2015/16 level of £4.7 billion for the rest of the parliament.

Internet

Nigel Adams: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what representations he has received on the potential merits of requiring search engines to change their algorithms to reduce the visibility of illegal streaming websites.

Joseph Johnson: My noble Friend the Minister of State for Energy and Intellectual Property, Baroness Neville-Rolfe, chairs regular roundtable meetings between the UK’s leading search engine providers, representatives of the music and film industries, and government officials. Since the instigation of these roundtables, Google, Yahoo! and Bing have all taken steps to reduce the prominence of copyright infringing websites in their search results. These steps have included algorithm changes as well as changes to the autocomplete suggestions offered to users. The discussions are supported by research undertaken by OFCOM which has shown a decrease in the prominence of the most infringing websites (as measured by the number of notifications Google have received about infringing content for those sites).

Electricity Generation

Sir William Cash: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what the financial cost will be to other electricity generators of the proposed supplementary balancing reserve and Black Start payments made to Fiddlers Ferry and Drax power plants.

Jesse Norman: Details of charges and how they are applied are available through National Grid’s website: http://www2.nationalgrid.com/bsuos/. However National Grid does not provide a public breakdown of the costs of individual Black Start and SBR contracts.

Mental Health: Research

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to ensure that research with European research partners into mental health continues after the result of the referendum on the EU.

Joseph Johnson: The Government recognises the importance of our research base, which is why we have protected the science budget in real terms from its current level of £4.7 billion for the rest of the parliament. The referendum result has no immediate effect on the right of researchers to apply to or participate in EU research programmes. While the UK remains a member of the EU, current EU arrangements continue unchanged. UK participants, including those researching mental health issues, can continue to apply to programmes in the usual way. The future of UK access to these programmes will be determined as part of a wider discussion with the EU.

Research: Finance

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the suitability of proposed new innovation finance products for life sciences research and development and other high-risk innovation sectors.

Joseph Johnson: We are looking to provide a range of innovation finance products to meet the needs of businesses, which will include loans, grants, and other types of innovation finance. Some of our competitor economies (like France, Finland, and the Netherlands) use a variety of financial instruments to support innovative businesses. We have engaged with their innovation agencies to learn from these established approaches to support, drive and encourage innovation in the UK. We are conducting market research to engage with, and fully understand the needs of, innovative businesses of all sizes and across many UK industry sectors with a high level of innovation, including life sciences. As part of the first phase of implementation the Government will announce the details of a pilot and accompanying evaluation in late 2016. The pilot will test specific financial products ahead of progressing to full roll-out.

Research

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether the Government plans to maintain the current level of EU funding for research and innovation to recipient institutions.

Joseph Johnson: Holding answer received on 21 July 2016



The UK economy is fundamentally strong and our research and innovation are world leading. While the UK remains a member of the EU, current EU funding arrangements continue unchanged, including those that apply to students, researchers, and businesses. The Government intends to maintain and enhance the strength of our research base, which is why we have protected the science resource budget in real terms from its 2015/16 level of £4.7 billion for the rest of the parliament.

Office for Life Sciences

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what his Department's plans are for the Office for Life Sciences; and if he will make a statement.

Joseph Johnson: The Office for Life Sciences was established in 2011 to support the development and adoption of 21st century health and life sciences technology, delivering the improved patient outcomes and increasing wider growth and prosperity. This agenda remains a core part of the Government’s plans for a comprehensive industrial strategy and for transforming health and care.

Research: Finance

Stephen Gethins: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions he has had with further and higher education sectors on future research funding once the UK leaves the EU.

Joseph Johnson: We want to reassure UK universities there is no immediate effect on them and their students and staff from EU countries. As has been made clear, while the UK remains a member of the EU, current EU funding arrangements continue unchanged. I issued a statement on 28 June addressing the most immediate questions raised by the sector (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/statement-on-higher-education-and-research-following-the-eu-referendum). Ministers have also had discussions with a range of higher and further education stakeholders and our priority will be to work with the sector to help shape our approach in the coming months. The Government intends to maintain and enhance the strength of our research base, which is why we have protected the science resource budget in real terms from its 2015/16 level of £4.7 billion for the rest of the parliament and will seek to secure the best deal possible for UK research in future negotiations.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

UK Membership of EU: Referendums

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment the Government has made of the potential merits of holding a second referendum on the UK's membership of the EU.

Sir Alan Duncan: The Prime Minister has been clear that Brexit means Brexit. We must now prepare for the process to leave the EU and the Government is committed to ensuring the best possible outcome for the British people in the negotiations.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office: UK Withdrawal from EU

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of which policy areas within his Department's remit will be affected by the outcome of the EU referendum.

Sir Alan Duncan: A new Department for Exiting the European Union has been established by the Prime Minister, which is responsible for overseeing negotiations for the withdrawal of the UK from the EU. It will also lead work to establish the future relationship between the UK and EU. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office will work closely with this new Department, as it will with the new Department for International Trade.

Republic of Ireland: Foreign Relations

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Irish counterparts since the EU referendum; and what steps he plans to take to ensure that relations with the Irish government are unaffected by the outcome of that referendum.

Sir Alan Duncan: On 26 July the Prime Minister, my RT Hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), held meetings with the Taoiseach in London. They discussed the economic relationship and travel between the UK and Ireland, and the peace process. They agreed that the excellent relationship and strong collaboration between our countries should continue and looked forward to working together to make the most of the opportunities ahead. The Foreign Secretary, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip (Mr Johnson) spoke to his Irish counterpart on 18 July at the EU Foreign Affairs Council.

UK Withdrawal from EU

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether his Department has taken legal advice on whether the European Communities Act 1972 can be repealed by Royal Prerogative.

Sir Alan Duncan: The process for leaving the EU and determining our future relationship with the EU, including changes to domestic legislation, is likely to be a long and complex one. We now need to work on the detailed arrangements to support that process.

EU Internal Relations

Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to maintain relationships with his European counterparts as a result of the outcome of the UK referendum.

Sir Alan Duncan: The Foreign Secretary, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip (Mr Johnson) and I have spoken to a number of European colleagues since taking office to discuss a full range of international business, and will continue to do so.

UK Withdrawal from EU

Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will meet representatives of Norway and Switzerland to discuss the outcome of the EU referendum.

Sir Alan Duncan: The former Foreign Secretary, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond) held discussions with European counterparts and a range of other partners to explain the result of the referendum and next steps. Officials continue to be in frequent contact with their Norwegian and Swiss counterparts and have discussed a range of topics since 24 June, including the outcome of the EU referendum.

UK Withdrawal from EU

Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he plans to meet the President of the European Council to discuss the outcome of the EU referendum.

Sir Alan Duncan: The former Foreign Secretary, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond) and the former Minister of State, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Aylesbury (Mr Lidington), have held discussions with EU counterparts and partners in the EU institutions to explain the result of the referendum and next steps. The former Foreign Secretary had discussed the outcome of the EU referendum with European Parliament President Martin Schulz and High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission Federica Mogherini.

Germany: Thalidomide

Scott Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what progress has been made in his talks with the German government on compensation for British citizens affected by Thalidomide.

Sir Alan Duncan: The UK Government has not been involved in talks with the German Government on compensation for British survivors of Thalidomide. We have been assisting the Thalidomide Trust in making their own representations directly to the German Government. At the request of representatives of the Thalidomide Trust the then Minister for Europe (Rt Hon David Lidington MP) wrote on 4 February to the German Ambassador to London, setting out the Trust’s desire for further discussions with the German Government and requesting his support in raising the matter within Germany. The Ambassador passed this request to the German Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth. The FCO received a response from the Families Ministry on 1 June. In this response the German Government sets out that UK survivors of Thalidomide are able to apply for compensation from the Contergan Foundation For Disabled People. The Contergan Foundation was established by the German Government to help disabled people whose deformities can be linked to their mothers taking medicinal products during pregnancy which contained thalidomide. While funded in part by the German Government, the Contergan Foundation is independent of the German Government who do not control or influence the awards made. As such the Families Ministry declined to meet the Thalidomide Trust for further discussions and reiterated their belief that British survivors should contact the Contergan Foundation. The UK Government remains in contact with the Thalidomide Trust to discuss all aspects of this case.

Venezuela: Politics and Government

Calum Kerr: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent reports he has received on the steps taken by the Venezuelan government in response to shortages of basic commodities and political unrest in that country.

Sir Alan Duncan: The Government shares the concern of the international community regarding the deteriorating political, economic and social situation in Venezuela. We have urged all sides to work constructively in the best interests of the country and the people of Venezuela. We support the planned dialogue between the Venezuelan Government and Opposition, facilitated by the Union of South American Nations regional body. We are aware of the acute shortages of basic foods and medicines. On 10 July, parts of Venezuela’s border with Colombia were opened temporarily for the first time since August 2015. This allowed thousands of Venezuelans to cross into Colombia to purchase basic food and medicines. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials are in contact with their counterparts in the Department for International Development and the EU to discuss what future assistance might be offered, if asked by the Venezuelan Government

Venezuela: Economic Situation

Calum Kerr: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the government of Venezuela on the ongoing economic situation and food shortages in that country.

Sir Alan Duncan: Holding answer received on 20 July 2016



The Government shares the concern of the international community regarding the deteriorating economic and humanitarian situation in Venezuela. We have urged all sides to work constructively together in the best interests of the country and the people of Venezuela. We support the planned dialogue between the Venezuelan Government and Opposition, facilitated by the Union of South American Nations regional body. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials are in contact with their counterparts in the Department for International Development and the EU to discuss what future assistance might be offered, if requested by the Venezuelan Government.

Venezuela: Human Rights

Calum Kerr: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he has made representations to his Venezuelan counterpart on reports of detention without charge, arbitrary detentions, the excessive use of force by security forces and other human rights violations in that country.

Sir Alan Duncan: Holding answer received on 20 July 2016



The Government shares the concern of the international community regarding the deteriorating political situation in Venezuela. The then Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), conveyed his concerns at the detention of prominent political opposition figures, and human rights more generally, directly to the Venezuelan Foreign Minister and Deputy Foreign Minister at bilateral meetings held in London during 2015. He has also discussed Venezuela extensively with counterparts from across the region.Since 2012, we have funded 22 human rights and democracy projects in Venezuela, with both Government and Non-Government Organisations. These projects have varied from protecting the rights of indigenous people to supporting political dialogue and reconciliation and the promotion of electoral reform.Venezuela was designated a Foreign and Commonwealth Office Human Rights Priority Country for 2016/2017 in April. This status will allow us to further expand our work on human rights and democracy in the country, including project work with local communities.

UK Withdrawal from EU: Scotland

Mr Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what his policy is on whether article 50 of the Treaty on the functioning of the EU enables the EU to negotiate separately with the Scottish Government towards a different agreement to that which applies to the rest of the UK.

Sir Alan Duncan: Holding answer received on 19 July 2016



The legal and constitutional responsibility for the UK’s relationship with the EU lies at Westminster. The Government will fully involve the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland Governments to ensure we get the best deal for the UK as a whole.

Latvia: World War II

Dawn Butler: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what diplomatic representations the Government made to Latvia on the Latvian Legion Day event on 16 March 2016.

Sir Alan Duncan: The UK made no representations about the event on 16 March 2016. The Latvian government has made clear that it does not support Legion Day, but that it respects and also guarantees freedom of expression and freedom of assembly.

France: Terrorism

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with his French counterpart about the attack in Nice on 14 July 2016.

Sir Alan Duncan: Holding answer received on 20 July 2016



The Foreign Secretary, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip (Mr Johnson), spoke to French Foreign Minister Ayrault on 16 July, and again at the Foreign Affairs Council on 18 July, to offer his condolences for the appalling loss of life in Nice and to stress that the UK will stand shoulder to shoulder with France following this tragedy. We are determined that our close co-operation will continue and the Foreign Secretary offered UK support and assistance to France to help counter the threat of terrorism.

UN Refugees and Migrants Summit

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many delegates and from which Departments the UK plans to send to the UNGA Summit on Refugees and Migrants.

Sir Alan Duncan: Holding answer received on 21 July 2016



The Government has three priorities for the UNGA Summit on Refugees and Migrants:- tackling forced displacement, including through conflict prevention and reduction, and safeguarding human rights and protecting civilians- shared global responsibility for the protection of refugees, as well as for regular, safe, and orderly migration and control of irregular migration; and - encouraging controlled, regular migration that has significant development benefits.We are finalising details of the UK delegation, including plans for ministerial attendance.

UN Refugees and Migrants Summit

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what his objectives are for the upcoming UNGA Summit on Refugees and Migrants.

Sir Alan Duncan: Holding answer received on 21 July 2016



The Government has three priorities for the UNGA Summit on Refugees and Migrants:- tackling forced displacement, including through conflict prevention and reduction, and safeguarding human rights and protecting civilians- shared global responsibility for the protection of refugees, as well as for regular, safe, and orderly migration and control of irregular migration; and - encouraging controlled, regular migration that has significant development benefits.We are finalising details of the UK delegation, including plans for ministerial attendance.

UN Refugees and Migrants Summit

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will attend the UNGA Summit on Refugees and Migrants.

Sir Alan Duncan: Holding answer received on 21 July 2016



The Government has three priorities for the UNGA Summit on Refugees and Migrants:- tackling forced displacement, including through conflict prevention and reduction, and safeguarding human rights and protecting civilians- shared global responsibility for the protection of refugees, as well as for regular, safe, and orderly migration and control of irregular migration; and - encouraging controlled, regular migration that has significant development benefits.We are finalising details of the UK delegation, including plans for ministerial attendance.

Turkey: Politics and Government

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent reports his Department has received on events in Turkey; and what assessment his Department has made of the effect of the coup attempt in that country on the stability of the Middle East.

Sir Alan Duncan: The Government remains closely engaged with events in Turkey. The Prime Minister, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May) spoke to President Erdogan on 18 July; the Foreign Secretary, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip (Mr Johnson) spoke to Foreign Minister Cavusoglu on 16 July; and I visited Turkey on 20 and 21 July and met with the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and others. We continue to receive regular reports from HM Ambassador in Ankara and Embassy officials. We condemn the attempted coup. We call for the full observance of Turkey’s constitution and stress the importance of the rule of law prevailing in the wake of this failed coup. We continue to consider the policy implications of developments in Turkey as the situation there evolves.

Companies: Ownership

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what plans the Government has to force Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies to establish public central registers of beneficial ownership.

Sir Alan Duncan: While the Overseas Territories (OTs) and Crown Dependencies (CDs) are separate jurisdictions, and are responsible for their own fiscal matters, we are working closely with them on their role on company transparency. Our priority has been for them to establish a central register of beneficial ownership information (or a similarly effective system) where they do not already have one, and for UK law enforcement and tax authorities to have full and automatic access to that information. Bilateral arrangements to this effect have now been concluded with all the relevant OTs and with the CDs, and these will enter into effect by June 2017. The registers will, with one exception, not be public, but these measures will place our Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories well ahead of other similar jurisdictions and represent a significant step forward in our ability to counter criminal activity.

Diego Garcia: Aviation

Mr Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the status is of the monthly log of flights which passed through Diego Garcia between January 2002 and January 2009; and whether those logs are available to be published.

Sir Alan Duncan: The monthly logs between January 2002 and January 2009 along with all other historic flight records held by the FCO, were released to the ISC in December 2015.

Turkey: Capital Punishment

Stephen Gethins: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to his Turkish government counterpart on that country's obligations as a Council of Europe member not to re-introduce the death penalty.

Sir Alan Duncan: I visited Turkey on 20-21 July to emphasise our unequivocal condemnation of the attempted coup on 15 July and our support for Turkey’s democratic institutions. During the visit in meetings with the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and otheres, I stressed the need for Turkey to respect human rights and the rule of law, and made it clear that the UK was opposed to the death penalty in all circumstances.

British Indian Ocean Territory: Military Bases

Mr Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions his Department has had with the US administration on the extension of the use of British Indian Ocean Territory by the US for defence and other purposes in accordance with the agreement of 1966.

Sir Alan Duncan: We regularly meet the US at senior official level to discuss cooperation on Diego Garcia. The most recent meeting was held in June in Washington.

Diego Garcia: Detainees

Mr Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the latest arrangements are between the UK and US governments on holding detainees in Diego Garcia.

Sir Alan Duncan: The US provides the UK with an annual assurance that they have not held any detainees in, nor transported any detainees through, the territorial land, air or seas of the United Kingdom or its territories. The latest assurance was sent on 27 June 2016. Diego Garcia is one of the UK territories.